Apparatus and methods for forming a flush joint between adjacent paving mats



Aug. 5; 1969 P. T. INGLERIGHT APPARATUS AND METHODS FOR FORMING A FLUSH JOINT BETWEEN ADJACENT PAVING MATS 2 Sheets-Sheet 1 Filed May 4, 1967 INVENTOR. FIG. 2. PAUL 1'. INGLERIGHT 5, 1959 v P. r. INGLERIGHT 3,459,109

APPARATUS AND METHODS FOR'FORMING A FLUSH JOINT BETWEEN ADJACENT PAVING MATS Filed May 4, 1967 Z Sheets-Sheet 2 INVENTOR.

PAUL T. INGLERIGHT United States Patent M 3,459,109 APPARATUS AND METHODS FOR FORMING A {figs JOINT BETWEEN ADIACENT PAVING Paul T. Ingleright, Saginaw, Mich, assignor to Frank Strausberg & Son Co., Saginaw, Mich, a corporation of Michigan Filed May 4, 1967, Ser. No. 636,135 Int. Cl. E01c 21/00; E01h 1/02 U.S. Cl. 9439 Claims ABSTRACT OF THE DISCLUSURE The apparatus and methods disclosed herein relate to the formation of a flush joint between adjacent mats of paving material of the bituminous or asphaltic type wherein a strip or mat of paving material is laid and subsequently compacted by rolling, following which a second strip or mat of similar material is laid adjacent the first laid mat and is subsequently compacted to the same thickness as the first mat.

In the laying of bituminous or asphaltic paving material to form a highway or the like, it is common practice to lay a mat of bituminous material mixed with appropriate fillers and aggregates by means of a spreader machine which moves along the roadbed and deposits a layer of paving material on the roadbed. Prior to cooling and setting of the laid mat, it is compacted by means of a rolling machine to a thickness somewhat less than its original thickness. Following the laying and compacting of a suitable length mat, usually the width of one highway lane, the spreading machine is located adjacent the first mat and operated to deposit a second mat parallel to the first.

-When laying the second mat of paving material, it is essential that a watertight joint be provided between the adjacent mats. It is conventional practice, therefore, to adjust the spreader machine so that it will deposit a relatively thin layer of material atop the edge of the previously laid mat so as to provide an overlap. This overlap must be removed prior to compacting of the second mat so as to avoid the formation of an upstanding ridge between the two mats and the consequent creation of a trafiic hazard.

Heretofore, two methods have been utilized to remove the overlap between two adjacent mats. In one method a workman utilizes a stiff bristle broom to scrape the overlap off the previously laid mat onto the newly laid mat. This method has several disadvantages. For example, the workman must stand on the previously laid mat which frequently is open to traffic. The workman thus is exposed to danger and, in addition, he frequently must interrupt his work to permit traffic to pass. Moreover, manual sweeping of the overlap is arduous and tiring and in many instances the laying of the mat must be interrupted to enable the workman to keep pace with the spreader. Another disadvantage of manual sweeping is that pushing of the broom across the newly laid mat may cause grooving or gouging of its upper surface. Not all of such grooves can be eliminated in the subsequent compacting process.

Another method used for removing the overlap is that 3,459,109 Patented Aug. 5, 1969 of scraping the overlap by means of a scraper bar that is attached to the trailing end of the spreader machine. This method also has several disadvantages, one of which is that the scraped material is deposited on the newly laid mat in a windrow which forms an upstanding ridge when the newly laid mat is compacted. Moreover, the scraping of the overlap can cause some of the aggregate material to be pushed transversely of the newly laid mat and gouge or groove the upper surface thereof. Again, not all of such grooves can be eliminated in the subsequent compacting process.

An object of the invention is to provide apparatus and methods which overcome the disadvantages of the heretofore known methods and apparatus.

Another object of the invention is to provide methods and apparatus for abrading the overlap between two adjacent mats of paving material so as to effect removal of the overlap without grooving or gouging the surface of the newly laid mat.

A further object of the invention is to provide methods and apparatus for scattering abraded overlap material over a relatively wide area of the newly laid mat so as to avoid the formation of ridges in such mat.

Another object of the invention is to provide apparatus and methods of the kind referred to and wherein the speed of overlap removal corresponds to the speed of laying of the mat.

A further object of the invention is to provide apparatus of the character described and in which the speed of abrasion of the overlap may be adjusted in accordance with the kind of material being abraded.

Other objects and advantages of the invention will be pointed out specifically or will become apparent from the following description when it is considered in conjunction with the appended claims and the accompanying drawings, in which:

FIGURE 1 is a fragmentary, top plan view of a conventional spreader machine on which is mounted apparatus constructed in accordance with the invention;

FIGURE 2 is a side elevational view of the apparatus shown in FIGURE 1;

FIGURE 3 is a bottom plan view of an abrading and sweeping brush assembly;

FIGURE 4 is a sectional view taken on the line 4-4 of FIGURE 2;

FIGURE 5 is a fragmentary, side elevational view of the brush assembly with parts broken away;

FIGURE 6 is a fragmentary, end elevational view of the brush assembly with parts broken away;

FIGURE 7 is a fragmentary, perspective view illustrating two adjacent mats of paving material with an overlap between;

FIGURE 8 is a view similar to FIGURE 7, but illustrating the mats following abrading and removal of the overp;

FIGURE 9 is a fragmentary, perspective view illustrating the two mats following their compaction; and

FIGURE 10 is a schematic hydraulic diagram.

Apparatus constructed in accordance with the invention is adapted for use in conjunction with a conventional bituminous spreading machine 1 such as is illustrated in Patent No. 3,246,583 and at the rear or the trailing end of which is mounted a catwalk or platform 2. The machine 1 is adapted to move in the direction of the arrow A in FIGURE 1 along a roadbed and deposit a layer or mat of paving material of predetermined thickness. The composition of the paving material will vary according to highway department specifications, but it usually com,- prises bituminous or asphaltic material, filler and aggregate which may be either relatively coarse or relatively fine, as required. The width of the laid mat may vary, but in highway construction the mat width ordinarily corresponds to the width of one traflic lane.

At the beginning of the laying or resurfacing of a road, the machine 1 moves longitudinally of the roadbed and deposits a predetermined thickness layer of paving material which subsequently is compacted by a rolling machine to form a substantially planar mat 3 as is shown in FIGURES 7-9. Thereafter, the machine 1 is returned to the starting point and is adjusted to lay alongside the mat 3 another layer of paving material. In the laying of the second layer, the machine is adjusted to deposit a relatively thin overlap 5 of material atop the adjacent edge of the mat 3 so as to assure the prevention of a gap between the adjacent mats 3 and 4.

Apparatus constructed in accordance with the invention comprises abrading means 6 operable to remove the overlap 5 prior to the compacting of the mat 4. The abrading means 6 comprises a rotary brush assembly 7 having a disk-like head 8 on which are mounted concentric brushes 9 and 10. The brush 9 comprises relatively flexible bristles 11 formed of a suitable fiber or plastic material and anchored at corresponding ends in the head 8 in such manner as to present an annular, frustoconical appearance. To the inner surface of the head 8 is bolted or otherwise fixed a disk 12 in which is anchored one end of a downwardly extending bolt 13 on which is threaded a retainer 14. Anchored in the retainer 14 is a plurality of relatively stiff, wire or the like bristles 15 which present an annular, generally cylindrical appearance. The bristle of the respective brushes are concentric, but are radially spaced apart. The brush 10 is maintained in a selected position of adjustment longitudinally of the bolt 13 by a jam nut 16. By adjustment of the retainer 14 and the nut 16, the brush 10 may be adjusted vertically relatively to the brush 9. If desired, shims or any other conventional means may be interposed between the retainer 14 and the disk 12.

Driving means designated generally by the reference character 17 is provided for effecting conjoint rotation of the brushes 9 and 10 and comprises a hydraulic motor 18 having an output shaft 19 on which is fixed a sprocket wheel 20 around which is trained a chain 21 that also is trained around a sprocket wheel 22 which is fixed on the input shaft 23 of a geared drive unit 24. The unit 24 has an output shaft 25 that is fixed to the brush head 8 by a suitable coupling 26. The motor 18 and the drive unit 24 are mounted on a suitable bracket 27 which also supports a chain guard 28.

The construction and arrangement of the driving means 17 are such that rotation of the motor 18 is imparted via the chain 21 to the shaft 25 so as to rotate the brush assembly 7 in a predetermined direction. It is preferred that the brush assembly be capable of rotation in either of two directions for a purpose presently to be explained. It also is desirable that the speed of rotation of the brush assembly be variable so as to be capable of operating at the best speed for the particular pavement being laid. Accordingly, hydraulic operating means 30 is provided and comprises a reservoir 31 from which fluid is withdrawn by means of a pump 32 for delivery to the motor 18 via a line or tube 33. Located in the tube 33 are a speed control or throttle valve 34 and a reversing valve 35. A line 36 communicates between the motor 18 and the reservoir 31 via the valve 35. The arrangement is such that, when the valve 35 is in the position shown in FIGURE 10, hydraulic fluid is delivered to the motor 18 via the line 33 under the control of the throttle valve 34 so as to rotate the brush assembly 7 at a selected rate of speed and in one direction. The valve 35, when rotated to its second position, delivers fluid from the pump 32 via the line 36 so as to rotate the brush assembly in the opposite di rection.

The brush assembly and its driving means are mounted for a plurality of adjustments relative to the spreader machine 1. The mounting means is designated generally by the reference character 37 and comprises a frame member 38 that is bolted or otherwise suitably fixed to the catwalk 2 at the trailing end of the machine 1 and on which is pivoted as at 39 a support bar 40. Between its ends the bar 40 is provided with an opening for the reception of a locking pin 41 that is adapted to be accommodated in any one of a plurality of openings 42 provided in the frame member 38 so as to fix the bar 40 in a selected position of angular adjustment laterally of the pavement. At the rear end of the bar 40 is a pair of upstanding brackets 43 on which is pivoted by pins 44 the corresponding ends of a pair of links 45. The opposite ends of the links are fixed to a support member 46 from which a pair of spaced apart plates 47 depends. The plates 47 are apertured so as to rotatably accommodate a cylindrical shaft 48 that is fixed at its rear end to the bracket 27. Secured to the shaft 48 is an upstanding plate 49 in which is provided a plurality of arcuately arranged, spaced openings 50. The plate 49 confronts an upstanding plate 51 that is secured to the support member 46 and which has an opening therein to accommodate a pin 52 that is adapted to pass through a selected one of the openings 50 so as to secure the brush assembly in a selected position of angular adjustment about the axis of the shaft 48.

The construction and arrangement of the mounting means 37 are such that the brush assembly is mounted for movement longitudinally of the roadbed with the machine 1. Moreover, the entire brush assembly and its driving means are swingable about a substantially horizontal axis passing through the pins 44, and also are capable of swinging movements about the axis of the shaft 48. The brush assembly is adjustable about the axis of the pins 44 by means of a chain 53, one end of which is adapted to be accommodated in a slot 54 formed in the upper end of the plate 51 and the opposite end of which is secured to a turnbuckle 55 that is supported by a bracket 56 fixed to the bar 40. Adjustment of the turnbuckle 55 permits the brush assembly 7 to be raised or lowered from the position shown in FIGURE 2.

The bracket 56 also supports a pivotal link 57 having at least one opening 58 adjacent its free end that is adapted to receive a pin 59 mounted on the bracket 27 so as to support the brush assembly 7 and driving means 17 in an elevated or upwardly swung position as is indicated in dotted lines in FIGURE 2. I

To condition the apparatus for use in removing the overlap 5 between the previously laid mat 3 and the newly laid mat 4, the brush assembly 7 .and the driving means 17 are swung generally to the position shown in FIGURE 2 and the arm 40 is adjusted about the pivot 39 so that the axis of rotation of the brush assembly 7 is directly over the center line of the overlap'5. The turnbuckle 55 then is adjusted so as to enable the brush assembly7 to rock downwardly about the axis of the pins 44 so as to position the trailing end of the brush assembly at a lower level than the leading end. That is, the brush assembly is inclined upwardly and forwardly with respect to the plane of the pavement. The brush assembly is properly positioned when the trailing end of the abrading brush 10 is at the level of the surface .of the previously laid mat 3. In this position the brush assembly 7 should beSQ inclined with respect to the mats 3 and 4 that the leading ends of the brushes 9 and 10 are clear of the mat but have their trailing ends in engagement with the mats.

When the brush assembly is positioned properly the machine 1 may be operated so as 'to movein the direction of the arrow A to deposit the mat 4 and the overlap 5, and the brush operating means 30 is adjusted so as to rotate the brush assembly counterclockwise, as is shown by the arrow B. As the machine moves alongside the previ ously laid mat 3, the trailing end of the abrading. brush 10 will engage the overlap "5 and abrade the latter in a direction from left to right, as viewed in FIGURE 6, 'so as to remove the overlap 5 from the upper surface of the mat 3. The brush 10 also will abrade the surface of the mat 4 adjacent the mat 3, but along a laterally inclined line so as to provide a beveled edge 59 adjacent the mat 3. Inasmuch as the brush 9 surrounds the brush 10, the brush 9 will prevent scattering of the abraded material by the brush 10. As the machine 1 continues to move alongside the mat 3, however, the trailing end of the brush 9 will engage and sweep the abraded material from left to right and scatter such material laterally of the joint over the newly laid mat. The scattered material is indicated at 60 in FIGURE 8 and may cover a distance of between 12 and 1-8 inches, depending on the speed of rotation of the brush assembly. The scattered material will be substantially evenly distributed on the newly laid mat by the brush 9.

Following the abrading of the overlap and the adjacent edge of the newly laidmat 4 and the brushing of the abraded material onto the upper surface of the mat 4, a rolling machine may be driven over the mat 4 so as to compact the latter. The individual pieces of abraded material 60 will be pushed into the mat 4 and form an integral part thereof, but without creating a ridge due to the dispersal of the abraded material. The provision of the inclined surface 59' enables the compacting of the mat 4 to be achieved without the squeezing of material from the mat 4 onto the upper surface of the mat 3. Consequently, the mats 3 and 4 may be compacted to the same degree and their upper surfaces will be coplanar, as is indicated in FIGURE 9.

Wear of the bristles 11 and 15 may be compensated for in two ways. Firstly, the turnbuckle 55 may be adjusted so as to compensate for the wear of both brushes. In addition, the brush 10 may be adjusted relatively to the brush 9 by adjustment axially along the bolt 13.

It frequently occurs that the spreader machine 1 is utilized to lay a mat of paving material alongside a gutter which has a substantial lateral inclination as compared to the lateral inclination of the mat. To enable the brush assembly to remove the overlap between such surfaces it may be rocked about the axis of the shaft 48 and fixed in adjusted position by means of the pin 52.

The apparatus has been disclosed as being mounted on a machine 1 in such manner as to prepare a joint between a first laid left-hand mat and a subsequently laid right-hand mat. It is possible, however, to utilize the apparatus to prepare a joint between a first laid right-hand mat and a subsequently laid left-hand mat. This may be accomplished by transferring the mounting apparatus 37 to the righthand side of the machine catwalk and manipulating the valve 35 in such manner as to cause the brush assembly to be rotated in a clockwise direction.

The disclosed methods and apparatus are illustrative of presently preferred embodiments of the invention but are intended to be illustrative rather than definitive thereof. The invention is defined in the claims.

I claim:

1. Abrading apparatus for preparing a joint between two substantially planar mats of pavement having an overlap therebetween and adapted for mounting on a machine movable in a direction longitudinally of said mats, said apparatus comprising support means rotatable about an axis; radially inner and outer sets of bristles carried by said support means for rotation about said axis, the bristles of said inner set of bristles being stiffer than the bristles of said outer set; means for rotating said support means; and mounting means for mounting said support means on said machine in such position that said axis is at an inclination to the plane of said mats, whereby one side only of both of said sets of bristles may engage said overlap at any one time.

2. Apparatus as set forth in claim 1 including means for adjusting said sets of bristles axially relatively to one another.

3. Apparatus as set forth in claim 1 wherein each of said sets of bristles comprises an annulus.

4. Apparatus as set forth in claim 1 including means for pivoting said support means about a substantially vertical axis.

5. Apparatus as set forth in claim 1 including means for pivoting said support means about a substantially horizontal axis.

6. Apparatus as set forth in claim 5 including means for pivoting said support means about a second substantially horizontal axis.

7. In a pavement laying machine adapted to move longitudinally alongside a previously laid mat of paving material and lay a second mat of paving material adjacent the previously laid mat of such material with an overlap atop the adjacent edge of the previously laid mat: apparatus for removing said overlap comprising a brush assembly rotatable about an axis and having radially inner and outer sets of bristles, the bristles of said inner set being stiffer than the bristles of said outer set; means mounting said brush assembly on said machine in trailing relation therewith and in overlying engagement with said overlap and with said axis inclined rearwardly of the di rection of movement of said machine, whereby the trailing side only of each of said sets of bristles may engage said overlap at any one time; and means for rotating said brush assembly while said sets of bristles are in engagement with said overlap and during the laying of said second mat to remove said overlap from said previously laid mat.

8. The combination set forth in claim 7 wherein said rotating means rotates said brush assembly in such direction that it sweeps the material of said overlap in the direction of the second mat.

9. The combination set forth in claim 7 wherein each of said sets of bristles comprises an annulus.

10. The combination set forth in claim 7 including means for adjusting said sets of bristles axially relatively to one another.

References Cited UNITED STATES PATENTS 2,655,678 10/1953 Keogh 15-87 2,930,056 3/1960 Lappin 1518O XR 2,991,492 7/ 196-1 Dear et al. 15-87 2,996,742 8/1961 Aimers et a1 15-87 3,105,991 10/1963 Oberg 15-87 XR 3,292,195 12/ 1966 Schmidt et al 1587 3,353,199 11/1967 Palmiter et al. 1587 OTHER REFERENCES Cedar Rapids (trade circular) by Iowa Manufacturing 00., p. 11 only.

JACOB L. NACKENOFF, Primary Examiner US. Cl. X.R. 1587, 

